Page 29 of Knight of Chaos
Ingrid gulped and once again did as she was told. What else could she do? She waited for the Empress until she began speaking to her other ladies. “Lady Eden, you may stay, the rest of you may leave us and head to the great hall. We shall join you shortly.”
Lady Petula and Lady Rovena, along with the remaining servants in the room, left promptly, leaving Ingrid to again wonder why in the world the Empress wanted to have a private conversation with her. Ingrid did not have long to wait, although she did so with bated breath.
“You mentioned your father was a farmer and you lived outside of London,” the Empress said holding out her hand. Lady Eden promptly went to the table to fetch the goblet Ingrid had filled earlier.
“Aye, Your Majesty.”
“And his name again?” she inquired taking a sip of her wine.
“Harold. Harold Seymour, Your Majesty,” Ingrid answered.
“And your mother?”
Ingrid cast a quick glance as Lady Eden who nodded for her to continue. “Jonet Seymour.”
“French?” the Empress continued, causing Ingrid to wonder what the monarch was after.
“I cannot say for sure, Your Majesty. She died giving birth to me.”
“Interesting.” Empress Matilda paused in her questioning before handing Lady Eden the goblet of wine. “Fetch me Mistress Ingrid’s sword, Lady Eden. You shall find the blade has been placed near my bed.”
Lady Eden did as she was ordered. When the Empress held out her hands, Lady Eden placed the scabbard into her waiting palms. The Empress pulled the sword from the sheath. “These markings on the hilt,” she began pointing to the etchings. “Do you know from whence they hail and what they represent?”
A frown marred Ingrid’s brow. “No, my Empress. My father never went into any detail about them once he had given me the blade as a present. He said ’twas his from his youth but that is all he would ever say on the matter no matter how hard I pressed for an answer.”
“And you know nothing of his childhood? His parents? Or from whence he, or your mother, hailed?”
“I only know he met my mother whilst traveling abroad until they made their home in our village. He would never speak of his upbringing only to say his parents were not pleased when he wed someone not of their choosing,” Ingrid replied, curious now as to what her father may not have told her.
“Interesting…” The Empress returned the blade back into the scabbard. “See that this is returned to Mistress Ingrid’s chamber. A gift such as this must not be misplaced.”
“Aye, my Empress,” Lady Eden replied before taking the sword and leaving the room.
The Empress rose, causing Ingrid to stumble as she, too, quickly gained her feet without tripping over her gown. The Empress took another long look at Ingrid. “I have my suspicions about the truth of your parentage. I will not speak further on the subject until I have confirmed the matter. Needless to say, Mistress Ingrid, I do not think you are only some commoner from an obscure village in my realm. But we shall see.”
Ingrid was more confused than ever. This day only continued to become worse and worse. What was the Empress trying to tell her and more importantly what had her father kept secret?
Chapter Nineteen
Theobald and hismen entered the great hall for the evening meal. Noticeably absent was the Empress and, more importantly, her new lady in waiting. He took a place at one of the tables and his friends and brother began filling the empty spaces around him. His day that had begun as a nightmare to see Ingrid to the safety of the castle had become one of inner torment knowing he was no longer bound to her by honor. Mentally, he could in no way shake the emotions consuming him, telling him that he must needs keep his vow to protect her by any means possible.
He ran his fingers down the forest green tunic, one of the last clean garments he owned that was presentable for an evening meal with his monarch. The rest of his clothing had been given to a servant to see that they were laundered. If he were to be in the presence of his Empress for days on end, he would need to appear well-dressed. While the fighting was at an end for the day, Theobald had no doubt ’twould resume come the morn and yet it appeared that for now, his fighting days outside the walls were at an end. He supposed keeping the Empress safe was an honor, but he felt he could achieve more by raising his sword against her enemies. Apparently, the Empress felt she would prefer to keep him close.
Reynard gave him a nudge and Theobald came out of his musings inside his head. “You are too deep in thought, brother. Come now and make merry like the days of old when you were carefree instead of a knight where chaos appears to follow you!” Reynard said thrusting a cup of wine into Theobald’s hand.
“Knight of Chaos… you give me a new nickname that somehow does not seem to suit me,” Theobald said with a sly grin. “Surely, I have not earned such a labeling.”
Reynard chuckled. “Look outside and see what is before you.”
A low grumble left him. “’Tis hardly my fault the city is burning to the ground.”
Reynard took a sip of his wine. “Mayhap not, but trouble does seem to follow you of late, especially since you met a certain red-haired temptress.”
Theobald twirled the cup in his hand and then raised the goblet to his lips. Taking a sip, he closed his eyes as the sweetness of the wine worked its magic when the heady liquid slid down his throat. There was something to be said for a good wine.
When he opened his eyes, he saw those around him staring. “What?” he gruffly asked.
Richard was the first to reply. “You appear troubled, my friend.”
